§ 175.12 - Procedures for adjusting electric power rates except for adjustments due to changes in the cost of purchased power or energy.

§ 175.12 Procedures for adjusting electric power rates except for adjustments due to changes in the cost of purchased power or energy.

Except for adjustments to rates due to changes in the cost of purchased power or energy, the Area Director shall adjust electric power rates according to the following procedures:

(a) Whenever the review described in § 175.10(b) of this part indicates that an adjustment in rates may be necessary for reasons other than a change in cost of purchased power or energy, the Area Director shall direct further studies to determine whether a rate adjustment is necessary and, if indicated, prepare rate schedules.

(b) Upon completion of the rate studies, and where a rate adjustment has been determined necessary, the Area Director shall conduct public information meetings as follows:

(1) Notices of public meetings shall be published in local newspapers of general circulation, posted at the utility office(s), and provided by such other means, if any, as determined by the Area Director. The notice shall provide: The date, time, and place of the scheduled meeting; a brief description of the action; the name, the address, and the telephone number for addressing comments and inquiries; and the period of time in which comments will be received. Notices shall be published and posted at least 15 days before the scheduled date of the meeting.

(2) Written and oral statements shall be received at the public meetings. The record of the public meeting shall remain open for the filing of written statements for five days following the meeting.

(c) After giving consideration to all written and oral statements, the Area Director shall make a decision about a rate adjustment. A notice of the Area Director's decision, the basis for the decision, and the adjusted rate schedule(s), if any, shall be published and posted in the same manner as the previous notices of public meetings.

(d) Rates shall remain in effect until further adjustments are approved by the Area Director pursuant to this part.